Experience

Makes all the difference

The Thompson Katzaroff Kottmeier Group provides customized financial planning and wealth management services to clients who desire a superior level of personal service. With more than 150 years of combined experience in the wealth management arena, our greatest satisfaction comes from working with clients for many years and helping them realize their dreams. We will act as your advocate in all wealth matters.

Michael Thompson

Managing Director–Wealth Management

LEAD PORTFOLIO MANAGER

Mike began his financial career at Shearson / American Express in 1982 and now successfully leads our team as the Managing Director of Wealth Management and Senior Portfolio Manager. Mike spends countless hours reading financial publications and applying his 40 years of experience to provide customized investment solutions to our clients. Mike graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH, where he earned a B.A. in Business, majoring in Finance. Since 2012, Mike has sat on the Board of Directors and Advisory Board for South County Outreach, a local charity that serves unemployed households in crisis. Mike and his wife, Nancy, live in Laguna Beach and when he is not studying the markets and overseeing the management of our clients' portfolios, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, tennis and lawn bowling.

CA Ins Lic 0A15164

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AL
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DC
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors, 2009, 2010The Barron's rating is awarded annually in March and is based on information from the prior year Q3. 
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

Education

  • Miami University in Oxford, OH, B.A. in Business, Majoring in Finance

Credentials

  • Senior Portfolio Manager
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

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Joseph Katzaroff, CFP®

Managing Director–Wealth Management

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

I’m Joe Katzaroff, our team’s lead certified financial planner (CFP) and senior partner, boasting an impressive 35-year wealth management career.  My journey began in 1988 and I’ve remained dedicated to UBS (formerly Paine Webber) ever since.  In 1988, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from California State University of Long Beach in 1988.

At UBS, I provide wealth management services with a focus on understanding understanding your wealth, and grasping what you wish to achieve.  These essential aspects form the foundation of our collaboration.  By diving deep into these elements, we can develop personalized and effective strategy to help you reach your financial goals and aspirations with confidence and clarity.

Outside of my professional endeavors, my heart belongs to my wife Barbara, my college sweetheart, and together, we have joyfully raised for wonderful and active children.  During my leisure time, I enjoy thrilling adventures on my mountain bike, invigorating wakeboarding & wake surfing sessions at Lake Mead, and I’m an avid Pickleball player. My dedication to both my professional and personal pursuits makes me a well-rounded and respected individual.

Let’s embark on this financial journey together, building a brighter and prosperous future for you and your loved ones.

CA Inc Lic 0A45893

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AL
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OK
  • OR
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

Education

  • California State University of Long Beach, Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance

Credentials

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • Senior Portfolio Manager
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me

Sasha Kottmeier

Executive Director

Financial Advisor

As a Wealth Advisor, Sasha develops customized strategies to help clients pursue their goals. Sasha focuses on longevity planning, including retirement income, and insurance planning. He
has a strong practice of implementing wealth transfer strategies, including inheritance and business succession planning. Additionally, he has a strong knowledge of life transition planning for marriage, divorce and loss of a loved one. He always puts his clients first and enjoys helping them reach their financial goals.

Over the last 20 years, Sasha has gained experience, wisdom and resources that he shares with his clients to best pursue the goals that truly matter to them.

Sasha and his wife have three children, two girls and one boy. Outside of the office, he enjoys mountain biking, running, motorcycles, free diving and traveling. His greatest enjoyment comes from spending time with his family.

CA Ins. Lic. 0C80674

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AL
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OK
  • OR
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.
  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me

Taylor Thompson, CFP®

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Taylor joined the team in 2012 after graduating from Vanderbilt University, where he studied community development and Spanish. He earned the Certified Financial PlannerTM certifcation in 2016 and completed the Oxford Impact Investing Programme in 2017. He enjoys working with clients to understand and align their values, investment strategies, financial goals and philanthropic visions. In addition to providing advice, he dedicates time to our community by volunteering to empower social entrepreneurs and creatives. Taylor lives in San Clemente with his wife, Ashley, and daughters, Poppy, Kaia, and Summer.

CA Ins Lic 0I07998

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AL
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DC
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MT
  • NC
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023, 2024The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in January, based on information from a 12 month period ending March of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

Education

  • Vanderbilt University, Community Development and Spanish

Credentials

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me

Karen Dryer, CFP®

Wealth Strategy Associate

Karen graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Mathematics in 2007. After graduating, she joined UBS to begin her career in the financial services industry. She holds Series 7 and 66 licenses as well as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) certification. She is the team lead and is dedicated to strengthening client relationships through constant communication and efficiently solving client issues. Karen and her husband, David, have two sons and a French Bulldog. She enjoys working out, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • NC
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI

Education

  • University of California, Irvine, B.S. in Mathematics

Credentials

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me

Jaime Lowry

Senior Client Associate

For Jaime, going out of her way to serve people is second nature. Since 1997, she's earned an extraordinary reputation in the Financial Services Industry. Today, Jaime continues to bring a deep personal commitment to serving clients' needs. She retains her passion for understanding their values, aspirations and concerns. Jaime joined UBS Financials Services in 2008. She holds Series 7 and 66 licenses. Jaime grew up in Staten Island, NY and moved to California in 2002. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, volunteering at her church and spending time with her two daughters, Arianna and Gabriela.

Registered States:
  • AK
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DC
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • KY
  • LA
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • RI
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
  • WY
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me

Jolene Albrecht

Senior Client Associate

Jolene started her financial career in 1996 in Southern California and in the same year obtained her Series 7 and 63 securities licenses. She later obtained the life, accident and health insurance licenses. In 2003, she moved to Portland, OR, where she worked for UBS before moving into the banking advisory sector. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for outstanding customer service skills and for building strong client relationships. Jolene has been married for over 30 years to Michael, who has one daughter, son in law and grandson.  She enjoys the California sunshine, walking, traveling and wine tasting.

CA Ins Lic 0I43386

Registered States:
  • AL
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KS
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • NC
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • SC
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA
  • WI
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me

Aimee Michael

Client Associate

Aimee began her career at UBS in 2011 as a Branch Service Associate in Operations and joined the team in 2014. She brings over 20 years in customer service experience and a background in procurement and bookkeeping. She studied business and finance at Cal State Long Beach and at the University of Redlands School of Business. Aimee loves spending time at the beach and taking walks. She has been married for over 18 years to her husband, Tim, and has three children.

Education

  • Cal State Long Beach and at the University of Redlands School of Business, Business and Finance
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

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Blake Thompson, CEPA®

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

Blake attended San Diego State, where he graduated with a B.S. in business finance. He holds the Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. Blake immerses himself in the world of finance by studying Ben Graham’s concept of Margin of Safety and Philip Fisher’s 15 points for Growth Investing. He has an emphasis on valuation in his approach to the capital markets. Blake married his wife, Amy, in July 2020, and they are expecting their first baby in early 2023. On the weekends, Blake enjoys going to the park with their dog, Buddy, staying active, reading books and spending time with friends and family.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • ID
  • IL
  • KY
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MT
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA

Education

  • San Diego State, B.S. in Business Finance

Credentials

  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

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Carrie Hennessey

Client Associate

Carrie brings over 20 years of business experience to her role, in which she attains satisfaction through helping others. She holds Series 7 and Series 66 Securities licenses. Carrie is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. Carrie enjoys time with her family, friends, dogs, sports, and outdoor activities.

Registered States:
  • CA
20 Pacifica
Suite 1500
Irvine, CA 92618

Email Me